Cockfighting
is a bloodsport, two roosters are placed in a pit to fight, usually to the
death. The bird's natural spurs and waddles are normally removed and the spurts
are replaced with knives (called graffs) like the one in the background photo.
Drugs are often given to enhance the animal's aggression. It is common that at
least half of the birds fought are killed or severely injured during these
fights. Even the winners can suffer sever injury such as blindness, broken
bones, and puncture wounds.

Not only does
cockfighting pose a threat to the animals but also to our society. It is all to
common for gambling, drugs, drinking and violence to be found at these events
due to the fact that the sport is illegal in most of the country. What may even
be worse is the fact young children are taken to these events. This is no place
for any child to be and it is not a past time that should ever be considered a
type family entertainment. Beside the fact that gambling, drugs, drinking are
violence toward other human beings take place let us not forget the emotional
impact this is having on the children from having to watch birds being killed
right before their very eyes!

Some people use
the argument that cockfighting is a tradition however not all traditions deserve
to continue on. Slave traders used to this very same argument at one time
however they like the cockfights couldn't be any more wrong. Some culture
consider it a tradition to mutilate women etc. Tradition should never involve
abuse, mutilation, killing etc of human and non-human animals. Harming a
creature is inexcusable and steps must be taken to stop this from happening. The
movement to ban these sports is not about taking away right however it is about
protecting these animals from torture and certain death. It is also important to
remember that a majority or the people in the states were the sport is legal
wish for the sport to be banned (this includes Hispanic and Cajun voters.) It is
fine to have a culture and tradition but it not fine to do so at the expense of
other, at some point we as a society must draw a line.

It is vital
that if you see a cockfight in a illegal state (everywhere other then Louisiana
and New Mexico) please call law enforcement straight away. Do not attempt to
break up the fights yourself for your own safety! Also if you live in the two
mentioned states be sure to check out towns in which the "sport" and even the
breeding of these birds have been banned.